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E46 (1999 - 2006) The fourth generation 3 Series (E46 chassis) was introduced in 1999 and set the standard for engineering and performance during it's years of production including being named to Car & Driver's 10 best list every one of those years! ! -- View the E46 Wiki

Or his car is not well maintained, noway a 325 manual would beat a 330 auto, i know how both drive, 330 would be victorious anytime

I believe you are mistaken. The OP is correct in his research into the 0-60 times.

The 330 auto is rated at a fraction of a second faster 0-60 than a 325 manual. The difference is so small a good driver or less weight, maintenance etc could easily produce a result where a 325MT could beat a 330 auto.

At higher speeds, the 330 would have the advantage of the extra HP.

A 330MT on the other hand would need to be poorly driven/maintained to be beaten by a 325MT.

__________________

"It is little use listening to other people as they will either be agreeing with you or saying stupid stuff" - Dogbert

I'm not a pessimist. At some point the world sh!ts on everybody. Pretending it ain't sh!t makes you an idiot, not an optimist.

Your car is probably putting down right around 150 HP *to the wheels*....not bad, but not earth-shattering, either. You would probably need another 25 or so RWHP to consistently run mid-to-high 6s in the zero-to-sixty sprint, and as previously mentioned by the astute veteran `festers, the most effective solutions would be the combination of a 3.46 rear gear, eBay headers, and a free-flow exhaust system. Since excess weight is MUCH more detrimental to a low-horsepower car, it would behoove you to remove your jack, spare tire, tools, floor mats, CDs, spare change, etc..
All of the above would enhance your quest for a low E.T.

Which brings us to the issue of Driver Input:
Since a *lot* depends on this, you`ll need to play with tire pressures, launch techniques, shift points, etc.

Ultimately, you can *probably* achieve your goal.....

(or you can buy a 330i )

Yes there are options. Lots of cars out there can do the job!
Dump weight and focus on the driver inputs.

Your car is probably putting down right around 150 HP *to the wheels*....not bad, but not earth-shattering, either. You would probably need another 25 or so RWHP to consistently run mid-to-high 6s in the zero-to-sixty sprint, and as previously mentioned by the astute veteran `festers, the most effective solutions would be the combination of a 3.46 rear gear, eBay headers, and a free-flow exhaust system. Since excess weight is MUCH more detrimental to a low-horsepower car, it would behoove you to remove your jack, spare tire, tools, floor mats, CDs, spare change, etc..
All of the above would enhance your quest for a low E.T.

Which brings us to the issue of Driver Input:
Since a *lot* depends on this, you`ll need to play with tire pressures, launch techniques, shift points, etc.

I believe you are mistaken. The OP is correct in his research into the 0-60 times.

car performance in real life is totally different than what u read on papers, all drivers should know that. these numbers should only be a reference not a fact, cuz coming down to business everything changes.
i drove my friend's 325 M/T that was well maintained, and another 330 A/T that was also well maintained. don't get too caught up on numbers, the 330 would have the edge by almost half a car length (which is very considerable being an A/T with somewhat a slow launch from a standing still), and the distance grows onward as soon as they hit 3rd

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Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Give a man a Chef and he feeds him for a lifetime

car performance in real life is totally different than what u read on papers, all drivers should know that. these numbers should only be a reference not a fact, cuz coming down to business everything changes.
i drove my friend's 325 M/T that was well maintained, and another 330 A/T that was also well maintained. don't get too caught up on numbers, the 330 would have the edge by almost half a car length (which is very considerable being an A/T with somewhat a slow launch from a standing still), and the distance grows onward as soon as they hit 3rd

The numbers quoted by testing agencies, are far more accurate than you and your friends joy-riding against each other. I agree, there are many factors to be considered. Perhaps a better driver than you would have bested the 330 auto in the 325i?

Sounds like the 1/2 car length advantage of the 330 is right in line with the tested speeds that show it .15 second faster than the 325MT so not sure what your point is. IMHO a 1/2 car length advantage 0-60 is something that in the real world could be overcome by driving skill.

__________________

"It is little use listening to other people as they will either be agreeing with you or saying stupid stuff" - Dogbert

I'm not a pessimist. At some point the world sh!ts on everybody. Pretending it ain't sh!t makes you an idiot, not an optimist.

Hey smolck... want to line 'em up one afternoon so you can see how piss-poor my car is running these days? I think the blowing of smoke acts like a little rocket booster. You know... extra pressure popping out the exhaust pipe and what not.